How to implement a people first HR approach

Adopting a people first HR approach is no longer just a nice-to-have – it is the cornerstone of building a resilient, high-performing organisation in today’s landscape. When you prioritise the human experience over rigid processes, you create an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and motivated to contribute their best work. At Compono, we believe that when people thrive, businesses follow suit, turning traditional management on its head to focus on what truly matters: your team.

The shift toward a people first HR approach

For decades, many HR departments operated as the 'compliance police'. The focus was heavily weighted toward risk mitigation, policy enforcement, and administrative efficiency. While these elements remain necessary, the modern workplace requires a more empathetic lens. A people first HR approach means shifting your perspective to see employees as the primary stakeholders of your business success.

When we talk about being 'people first', we are talking about a fundamental belief that your employees are your most valuable asset. It is about moving away from viewing staff as mere resources to be managed and instead seeing them as individuals with unique needs, aspirations, and work personality types. This shift in behaviour creates a ripple effect throughout the entire organisation, improving everything from psychological safety to bottom-line profitability.

The problem many mid-market leaders face is the gap between intention and execution. You might want to support your team better, but legacy systems and high-pressure targets often get in the way. Transitioning to this model requires a deliberate change in how you organise your workflows and how you communicate with your people every single day.

Understanding the psychology of performance

To lead effectively, you must understand that performance is a byproduct of engagement and culture. Research consistently shows that when people feel supported, they are more likely to take initiative and innovate. This is where the concept of 'People Intelligence' becomes vital. It is the practice of using data and deep human insights to make better decisions about how you lead and develop your staff.

Every individual brings a different set of strengths to the table. For instance, The Pioneer might thrive on solving complex, abstract problems, while The Doer finds satisfaction in the practical execution of tasks. A people first HR approach recognises these differences and tailors the work environment to suit them. Instead of forcing everyone into the same box, we should be looking at how to align roles with natural preferences.

At Compono, we have spent years researching how these dynamics play out in real-world teams. Our Compono Culture, Engagement & Performance Model provides a framework for understanding these links. By focusing on the 'human' side of the equation, you can predict potential friction points before they become full-blown conflicts, allowing for a smoother, more collaborative workplace.

Practical steps to prioritise your people

Implementation starts with listening. You cannot claim to be people-first if you don’t have a pulse on how your team actually feels. Regular check-ins and feedback loops are essential. However, it is not just about collecting data – it is about what you do with it. If staff share concerns about burnout or lack of clarity, a people-first leader takes tangible steps to address those issues immediately.

Transparency is another pillar of this approach. When you share the 'why' behind business decisions, you build trust. Trust is the currency of high-performing teams. Without it, even the most sophisticated HR strategies will fail. You should aim to involve your team in the decision-making process where possible, especially when it affects their day-to-day work life.

Investing in development is also a clear signal that you value your team’s future. This goes beyond standard compliance training. It involves looking at the long-term career paths of your employees. When you use tools like Compono Develop, you can create personalised learning journeys that help individuals grow in ways that benefit both their careers and your business objectives.

Hiring with a human-centric lens

A people first HR approach begins before an employee even signs their contract. The recruitment process is the first opportunity to demonstrate your values. Are you treating candidates with respect? Is the process clear and communicative? Or are they disappearing into a 'black hole' of automated emails?

Modern recruitment should focus on 'culture add' rather than just 'culture fit'. This means looking for people who bring new perspectives and strengths to your team. By understanding the existing makeup of your team – perhaps you have plenty of Evaluators but need more Campaigners – you can hire more strategically.

Compono Hire helps you bring this level of intelligence to your recruitment. It allows you to move beyond the CV and understand the person behind the paper. By identifying the right work personality for each role, you ensure that new hires are entering an environment where they can truly excel from day one, reducing turnover and boosting morale across the board.

Measuring the impact of a people first strategy

While the 'people first' philosophy sounds 'soft' to some, the results are anything but. Organisations that prioritise their people see lower turnover, higher productivity, and better customer satisfaction. You can measure this through employee Net Promoter Scores (eNPS), retention rates, and internal promotion statistics. These metrics provide the evidence needed to show that a people first HR approach is a sound business strategy.

You should also look at qualitative data. Are people comfortable speaking up in meetings? Do they feel safe to admit mistakes? These indicators of psychological safety are often more telling than any spreadsheet. A healthy culture is one where people feel they can bring their whole selves to work without fear of judgment or unfair repercussion.

To maintain this momentum, you need a central place to manage these insights. Our People Intelligence Platform, Compono Engage, allows you to monitor team sentiment and engagement levels in real-time. This ensures that your people-first initiatives are grounded in actual needs rather than guesswork, allowing you to pivot your strategy as your team evolves.

Key takeaways for HR leaders

• Prioritise empathy: Move from a compliance-heavy mindset to one that values the human experience.
• Leverage personality insights: Use work personality assessments to align roles with natural strengths.
• Foster transparency: Build trust by communicating the 'why' behind business decisions and involving the team.
• Hire for growth: Use recruitment as a way to add to your culture, not just fill a seat.
• Measure what matters: Track engagement and sentiment, not just attendance and output.

Frequently asked questions

What is a people first HR approach?

A people first HR approach is a management philosophy that prioritises employee well-being, growth, and experience as the primary drivers of business success. It focuses on empathy, transparency, and aligning work with individual strengths.

How does being people-first improve business results?

When employees feel supported and valued, engagement increases. This leads to higher productivity, lower turnover costs, and better innovation, as staff are more motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals.

Can a small business implement a people-first strategy?

Absolutely. In fact, smaller teams often find it easier to implement because they can build closer relationships. The key is consistent communication and a genuine commitment to supporting each individual's needs.

What role does technology play in a people-first approach?

Technology should act as an enabler. Tools that provide insights into work personalities and engagement help leaders make more informed, empathetic decisions without adding administrative burden.

Is a people first HR approach the same as being 'soft' on performance?

No. Being people-first actually raises the bar for performance. It provides the support and clarity people need to excel, while also holding the organisation accountable for creating a healthy work environment.

Where to from here?

• Explore: Compono Platform
• Talk to an expert: Book in a 15-minute chat to get a walkthrough of Compono.